The Hit One-Man Stage Play "THE CHIEF" About Art Rooney, Founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Is Now a Hit Movie

World Premiere October 14 in Pittsburgh, Available on DVD November 9; Pittsburgh Steelers, Football Great Franco Harris, and NFL Films Steve Sabol, Endorse This Film

PITTSBURGH, PA--(Marketwire - October 1, 2010) - This feature film is based on the hit one-man stage play "THE CHIEF" that debuted in 2003 and ran for seven sold out seasons at Pittsburgh Public Theater, featuring Tom Atkins as Art "The Chief" Rooney. Step inside the cluttered office of Art Rooney (circa 1976) and meet "The Chief." Cigar in hand, a quip on his lips, Tom Atkins recreates the persona of one of America's most beloved and inspirational characters. Come face to face with the guiding force behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hear Rooney's personal tales of faith, family and football.

"The one-man play that Rob Zellers and Gene Collier wrote was every bit the achievement I had hoped it would be. In the title role Tom Atkins has somehow incorporated my father's voice inflections, speech patterns, mannerisms, and relaxed amiability into his own style of acting. His monologue is a riveting performance uncannily true to life," quotes Art Rooney, Jr.

"THE CHIEF" movie was directed by Steve Parys, produced by Mike Wittlin, and executive produced by Thomas E. Chaffee and Bruce Kaplan. The entire crew and star of the film hail from Pittsburgh. For anyone with a fondness for the Pittsburgh Steelers, this movie is a rich, inspirational piece of Americana. For natives of the 'Burgh and die-hard Steelers fans, it is a near religious experience. DVD bonus material includes: Steelers Nation tailgating parties, interviews with the Rooney Family, and a never-before-seen interview with Franco Harris regarding the "Immaculate Reception."

Sponsored by BNY Mellon and officially endorsed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, this film has a huge niche audience in Pittsburgh and with the 2000 fan clubs located nationwide. The film debuts at its world premiere on Thursday, October 14 at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh. This red carpet, star-studded charity event features Franco Harris, Art Rooney Jr., and Tom Atkins. Presented by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on behalf of Dapper Dan Charities in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, tickets are available at www.pgharts.org. The DVD will be available nationwide on November 9. More info at www.thechiefmovie.com